TV's "Mr. Wizard," Don Herbert, Dies At 89 255
XorNand writes "Television's Mr. Wizard, Don Herbert, died today at 89. He introduced generations of young viewers to the joys of science. Herbert, who had bone cancer, died at his suburban Bell Canyon home near Los Angeles."
Science is timeless, isn't it? (Score:5, Interesting)
An inspiration to a generation (Score:5, Interesting)
Re:Science is timeless, isn't it? (Score:4, Interesting)
Got me hooked on science (Score:4, Interesting)
Re:Who is our generation of Mr. Wizard? (Score:1, Interesting)
At any rate, sad news.
Re:I emailed him (Score:5, Interesting)
I always thought that was rather cool.
rip mr wizard. here's a few of my favourites... (Score:4, Interesting)
how to cut a piece of paper so it makes a hole big enough to jump through
how to crush a metal box without using your hands, only hot and cold water
a bucket of water can stop a bullet
Well, to Americans, but others can understand. (Score:3, Interesting)
(Mentally crosses over to the alternative fuels story and pictures North Carolina being invaded by people on Eggmobiles performing strange chemical experiments in mayonnaise jars. Me, normal? No, but thanks for asking.)
Re:Sad (Score:3, Interesting)
I certainly have fond memories of Mr. Wizard, and he most certainly influenced me to think critically. I found myself remember his shows during school science labs and projects. I remember several of his experiments, like the ping-pong balls on mouse traps in the giant plexiglass box and the AA-powered electromagnet which would support a person sitting on a swing, as well as a brief lesson in LOGO.
I for one have missed Mr. Wizard, and am sad to hear of his passing. I am proud to learn that I share fond memories of this man with other generations -- I never know of his original show, and now wish that I could view them.
I believe that Don Herbert's family understands how he touched so many others, and that they appreciate that. I am very happy that they shared him with all of us, and hope that all generations of his family remember him and appreciate him.
Rest well, Mr. Wizard. We will miss you, and I will have to go wipe away some tears of my own.
Re:generational gap (Score:2, Interesting)
I was born in the early 70s, so was ages 9-19 during the 80s. How would that have prevented us from watching the program? I too loved seeing Mr. Wizard. May he rest in peace.
A tangential comment if I may...Those were simpler and better times to be quite honest. At least for children. We had honest-to-goodness classic shows to watch like Bugs Bunny and The Little Rascals. How they don't broadcast those shows any longer I'll never know. Not spastic enough for today's kids?
Re:An inspiration to a generation (Score:2, Interesting)
I agree. I'm a research physicist now, and I grew up watching the early Mr. Wizard as one of my favorite shows. Even had a picture of him on my office door here at work. His TV style was simple. No hyper-kinetic antics, no video magic, not even wacky sound effects. Just very patiently explaining to some other kids how things worked. I loved it!
I saw a TV panel discussion with him, Bill Nye, Paul Zaloom (Beakman) and a few others some years ago, and they all said they had learned from the Master. I just now realized that I also like to do science presentations for kids, too, so he definitely had an effect on me, beyond just getting me interested in science.
Along with many others, I'll miss Mr. Wizard, and owe him a debt of gratitude.